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Young prodigy Nestory Irankunda scored for the consecutive match in a row, while goalkeeper Paul Izzo delivered a stellar performance to lead the Socceroos to a tight 1-0 win over Canada.

Game Summary

After a dull opening period controlled by the Canadian team, the Australian side came to life with the entry of second-half replacements Jordy Bos, Lewis Miller, and Patrick Yazbek. Ultimately, Irankunda who made the difference in the 71st minute.

Goalkeeper Paul Izzo, selected in place of captain Maty Ryan, produced key saves, featuring a brilliant effort to stop Jacob Shaffelburg in the dying moments, securing Australia's seventh consecutive win.

NESTORY IRANKUNDA PUTS US IN FRONT IN MONTREAL! 🔥

🇨🇦 0 - 1 🇦🇺

Key Moments

• During the early stages, Tajon Buchanan charged into the box, but captain Alessandro Circati made a perfectly timed tackle to clear the threat.
• Eight minutes later, Irankunda beat multiple opponents and set up Max Balard, whose shot was deflected.
• Throughout the first half, the Socceroos found it difficult to keep possession, with Buchanan creating issues on the wing.
• Despite pressure from Canada, the organized Socceroos backline stood strong, restricting opportunities before the halftime.

Post-Interval Shift

Early into the second half, Irankunda embarked on a impressive dribble, evading Derek Cornelius and driving the ball toward the near post, where Mohamed Toure missed his attempt.

Substitutions in the 57th minute injected immediate energy, with Irankunda capitalizing on a poor clearance and setting up Toure, who fired off target.

Soon after, Miller delivered a lovely ball to Yazbek, who flicked toward Circati, but the skipper blasted high.

In the 70th minute, after a scramble in the defensive area, the Socceroos cleared the situation.

Winning Goal

Soon after, Connor Metcalfe sent Toure on the right, and the striker pulled the ball back into a dangerous area.

When a opposition defender hesitated, Irankunda slid in from the blind side to tap in his third strike.

Late Drama

Although unable to score a second goal, the team were saved by Izzo's last-minute saves.

Emotions flared in stoppage time, resulting in Irankunda receiving a booking and taken off amid a scuffle.

During a heated final few minutes, the Australian defense and Izzo held firm to secure the win.

Next Steps

Having now qualified for the next World Cup, the Australian squad are intensifying their preparation with warm-up matches against Canada and the USA, with a game scheduled in Colorado next.